A few of National Geographic cruises’ last minute changes have resulted not in inconveniences, but more opportunities for travelers.

Updates in the National Geographic Endeavour’s maintenance schedule have opened up 2 unplanned Galapagos departure dates in 2013. Not only does this mean more chance for you to fit in your cruise this year, but the company is also offering an incredible buy-one-get-one special!

Bring a friend, a spouse, a family member, or another loved one along for the ride in order to take advantage of this spectacular 50% off deal. This is also an ideal trip for the whole family or a friendly reunion where with the purchase of one full priced cruise, a second person gets to travel for free, saving up to $4,990 per person.

The National Geographic Endeavour, with capacity for 100 guests, is one of the top vessels in the Galapagos Islands with trips that take you across the archipelago over a period of 10 days at a time. There are 7 categories of full service rooms with air conditioning, all basic amenities, and more. The cruise price includes all excursions, Zodiac and kayak explorations, snorkeling (wetsuits, masks, fins, and snorkel equipment), educational presentations, all meals, entrance fees, transfers, and the friendly service of an accommodating staff.

Reach out to one of Latin Excursions’ Travel Consultants today to book this limited time Galapagos cruise offer, as it is not promoted in any brochures or websites.

This year in the height of Peru’s high travel season, travelers to Cusco will have a few more lavish beds to choose from. On June 1, 2013, the ancient Inca capital will welcome the 32-room El Mercado boutique hotel run by Mountain Lodges of Peru, a proven and award-winning brand that strives to connect visitors with only the most authentic Peruvian experiences.

Leading the structure’s design is renowned Peruvian architect, Jordi Puig, who has orchestrated the aesthetics of commercial and private spaces throughout the USA, Spain, and of course his home country. His work can also be seen on board the M/V Aqua, the deluxe 24-passenger Amazon cruise vessel that runs out of the northern Peruvian rainforest; at Hotel Titilaka’s restaurant on the banks of Lake Titicaca in the far south; and within Picas Bar in the bohemian quarters of Lima, known as Barranco. His latest project, El Mercado, will feature traditional finishings alongside contemporary touches.

El Mercado, which translates literally from Spanish as “the Market,” is built on the grounds of a former market found just 3 blocks from Cusco’s principle Plaza de Armas and its iconic cathedral. Living up to its namesake, the hotel will be able to offer knowledgeably guided trips to local markets followed by simple instructional courses teaching travelers how to prepare traditional Peruvian and Andean dishes as well as beloved cocktails such as pisco sours.

All 32 rooms in El Mercado will be well resourced with the comforts of home: high speed WiFi Internet, a large flat screen TV, comfy beds for a flawless night’s sleep, heater, snack basket, coffeemaker, bath amenities, safe deposit box, phone, and more. Suites and Junior Suites will even have a bathtub, chimney and fireplace, and additional living area. The rooftop patio is sure to be a favorite spot for guests, providing a 360-degree panorama over Cusco’s mountainscape while you catch up on world news via international newspapers provided by the hotel.

Mountain Lodges of Peru has been providing excellent trekking and horseback trips around Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu for more than 10 years, including a very popular lodge-to-lodge hike to Machu Picchu, and we can’t wait to share their latest venture with you!

Interested in staying at this property?

Contact us today for expert travel advice and planning on your next trip!

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Awasi

Here are 10 possible outings that can be arranged from Awasi to get a taste of its extensive menu of experiences:

1. Half-Day Atacama History Tour by 4×4 Jeep: This three-hour tour begins with a drive to the Quitor Pukara, an Atacama fortress dating back to 1,000 AD.After ascending the ruins, you will be treated to a privileged view of the Andes Mountains and surroundings. The drive continues to the town of Tulor, one of the first and most important settlements in the Atacama Desert, where you will visit the ruins’ excavation site and the reconstruction of original homes. The tour ends with an optional visit to an archaeological museum.
2. Half-Day Excursion to Toconao and Atacama Salt Flats by 4×4 Jeep: First, you will stop at Toconao town, which is famed for its buildings made of volcanic stone. Here, you can visit the town’s church and crafts market in the main square, before heading to the nearby Jere creek. Afterwards, visit Chaxa Pond, which is a National Reserve at the Atacama Salt Flat, where you can observe flamingos and other native bird species while enjoying views of the surrounding mountain ranging.
3. Full-Day Excursion to Tatio Geyser by 4×4 Jeep: Departing at dawn, you will arrive at the Geothermic Camp of Tatio—underground springs that spray out steam and hot water in intermittent spurts. You will enjoy breakfast while watching the sun rise, observing the landscape and its fumaroles. Afterwards, visit the town of Machuca or stop at the Puritama hot springs for a relaxing dip in naturally heated volcanic pools.
4. Full-Day Excursion to Tara Salt Flat by 4×4 Jeep: Heading towards Bolivia and Argentina, you will first reach two impressive volcanoes: Licancabur Volcano and Juriques Volcano. Continuing on, you will drive through the altiplano where you will sight vicuñas and flamencos before reaching the extraordinary rock formations of Pakana Monk. Following a trail off the paved road, you will arrive at enormous rock cliffs that surround the Tara Salt Flat, where you will have lunch while enjoying a striking view of Lake Tara and its surroundings.
5. Half-Day Hike to Kari Canyon: You will be driven to a lookout point near the lodge, from where you will view the Salt Range before starting on your hike on a narrow trail with a ravine on one side. You will descend down the dunes and walk through Kari Canyon to explore caves, caverns and more. The hike can continue on to Moon Valley if desired.
6. Half-Day Hike to Guatin and Gatchi:You will be taken in 4×4 to Guatin Valley, or “Valley of the Cacti,”starting the hike inside a creek along the Vilcama River. This attraction has an abundance of cacti, various geological formations, small waterfalls, and brooks, keeping the entire hike interesting. After the first hour along the river bed, you will begin walking toward the archaeological site of Gatchi, an old pastoral range.
7. Full-Day Hike to Patos Creek: This five-hour hike begins from the town of Talabre, from where you will follow an old road used by shepherds in the past. On the way, you will cross several ravines and will see ancient cave paintings that depict the lives of shepherds from thousands of years ago. After lunch along a creek, you will reach Patos, which has its own unique history and is home to well-preserved stone constructions.
8. Half-Day Hike to Moon Valley: Especially recommended in the afternoon, so that you can watch the sun set at this place of incredible beauty and solitude, this excursion includes a 3.1-mile hike through abandoned salt mines. You will hike over salt layers, sand dunes and clay before arriving to an impressive dune in the middle of the Salt Range.
9. Half-Day Bike Ride to Cejar: This 11.25-bike ride is entirely flat, though most of the route is on dirt road. The final destination is Cejar, which is comprised of three turquoise lakes, one of which you can swim in; the salt concentration is so high in the lakes that you can easily float. Along the way, you will be treated to beautiful views of three surrounding mountain ranged: the Andes, the Domeyko and the Salt Range.
10. Half-Day Horseback Ride to Death Valley:  On this excursion, you will horseback ride for approximately three hours, starting towards the Quitor Oasis on narrow dirt roads and continuing on to Death Valley. Huge clay formations, large dunes and the Salt Range will serve as the backdrop.

Contact us if you would like more information about planning a trip to the Atacama Desert in Chile!

Machu Picchu and the old Inca city of Cusco in Peru will be highlights of your multi-country trip.

Why see just 1 destination on your next trip to South America when you can cross into 3 countries? Peru, Bolivia, and Chile comprise a power trio with some of the most breathtaking sites on the continent. Linking them is the golden Andes mountain range, but you might be surprised to know that there are also vast deserts, ocean coast, highlands, and much more to offer.

For travel dates starting May 1, 2013 and into early 2014, Latin Excursions would like to present a very special 9-day promotion with savings up to $835 per person that combines some of the best of the South America Pacific perimeter.

Lake Titicaca, which connects Peru and Bolivia, is a magical wonderland where you can take a boat ride as the indigenous communities have done for centuries.

Travelers will have the chance to visit Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital metropolis known for its gastronomic bravado; sail across Lake Titicaca, the highest navigatable lake on earth, in tranquil Bolivia; and explore the other-worldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, considered one of the world’s driest land.

Throughout this South American journey, you will stay in top properties whose missions are to provide only the best level of service and comfort for their guests.

• Lima’s Hotel B is the city’s newest art-boutique hotel in the middle of the lively Miraflores district;
• 

  Chile’s Atacama Desert is regarded as one of the driest in the world, a place not naturally suitable for humankind.

  
  The ultra-chic W Santiago in Chile’s capital is a traveler favorite with a rooftop pool and ideal panoramic views;
• Hotel Titilaka and its 18 impeccable guestrooms along the banks of Lake Titicaca boast stunning Bolivian sunsets over the calm waters;
• and the Awasi Lodge in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile is a quenching oasis with excellent facilities and a traditional atmosphere deserving of its excellent location near the Atacama Desert.

Private excursions, airport transfers, and select meals and beverages are included.

Contact Latin Excursions today to speak to one of our expert Travel Consultants, and see how you can turn this unique 9-day itinerary into unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones.

La Pinta:

May 24 – May 31

May 31 – June 3

June 3 – June 7

June 7- June 14

June 28 – July 1

July 1 – July 5

July 5 – July 12

July 12 – July 15

July 15 – July 19

Isabela II:

May 24- May 28

June 03 – June 07

June 21 – June 25

July 15 – July 19

M/V Santa Cruz:

June 3 – June 7

June 8 – June 12

June 12 – June 17

June 17 – June 21

June 22 – June 26

July 1 – July 5

July 6 – July 10

July 10 – July 15

July 15 – July 19

July 20 – July 24

July 24 – July 29

Chinese-Peruvian food is found around every corner of even the smallest towns, a result of the influx of Canton-region immigrants over the last 2 centuries. (photo by morrissey)

When the first wave of Chinese immigrants first came to Peru in the late 1800s, they were considered part of the lowest working class, seeking work in mines and sugar plantations after the country outlawed slavery. The nature of the work meant that more than 95% of these incoming groups were male, and they were mostly from the Canton region of southeastern China. Later in the mid 1900s as political situations shifted in Asia, more people arrived in Peru seeking safety and work in a new world. Today, Peruvian Chinese citizens make up more than 4% of the country’s population.

A result of this cultural blend can be seen in Peru’s “chifa” restaurants, merging traditional coastal and Andean flavors with those that the Chinese brought with them. Each local chifa has essentially the same basic collection of dishes served in a fast and casual style, although higher end chifas incorporate harder-to-find ingredients imported from China. Don’t miss trying some of these classics when you’re looking for a quick meal in Peru:

• Chaufa – Just as it is in many areas of the world, fried rice is the most popular staple of adopted Chinese food. Chaufa found in Peru usually comes with 2 variations: with chicken, or with thin beef strips. Intermixed within are a medley of vegetables.

   

• Tallarin saltado – If you are not in the mood for rice, then try the stir fried noodles. Similar to chaufa, tallarin saltado includes a fresh mix of your choice of meat with vegetables, all tossed around in each chifa’s special sauce blend.

   

• 

  Chaufa, or fried rice, is the main staple at chifa restaurants. Try pairing it with a locally made, yellow-colored Inca Kola soda! (photo by Pablo Matamoros)

  
  Aeropuerto – It is still a mystery why this dish is named “airport.” However, it is an ideal choice for the indecisive, as it is a combination of both chaufa fried rice and saucy noodles—literally! The two components are made together rather than set on separate halves of the plate.

   

• Tipakay – For a more substantial meal after a long walk or day on the town, tipakay will be sure to fill you up. Pan fried pieces of chicken or beef (sometimes both) are lathered in a rich and sweet tamarind sauce, all of which is laid over a bed of white rice.

   

• Sopa wantan – Quench your thirst after eating so many savory delicacies with a hot, comforting bowl of wonton soup. The soup is a mixture of simple flavored spices and stock. Swimming inside is usually 1 or 2 pieces of boiled wontons filled with small pieces of meat. Diced green onions used as a garnish complete this simple but delicious side.

We would love to hear back about your favorite chifa dish!

On your trip to the southern continent, consider a multi-destination journey to see Colombia and Peru’s White Cities, both also curiously found near the southern reaches of each country—very Spanish indeed.

Popayan in Southern Colombia is the country’s gastronomic center and a reserve of Spanish influence.

Popayan, Colombia

Called the culinary center of Colombia, Popayan is about 3 hours beyond of the never-ending salsa parties found in the city of Cali. The unique calmness of life in this lesser visited area of Colombia is most obvious in Caldas Park, more a plaza with a colonial style whitewashed frame that serves as the small town’s social hub, where locals of all ages come to relax under the tree shadows and breathe in the mountain air. The square’s dominating Cathedral has been taken down multiple times throughout history by the earthquakes so common in the area, including one that killed many worshippers when the main dome collapsed, but the townspeople have dedicatedly rebuilt it after each fall.  Proud of being the town that has birthed more Colombian presidents than any other in the country (including the most recent Guillermo Leon Valencia who ruled 1962 to 1966), Popayan and its classical museums, original cobblestone roads, and handful of centuries-old churches makes for a great walk down history lane.

Volcano Misti sits silently in Arequipa’s background, fronted by a white colonial center that heralds back to the old Spanish eras. (photo by pura-aventura.com)

Arequipa, Peru

Just 1.5 hours from Lima by air, the old center of Arequipa seems to be frozen in time. The Spanish architectures feature white typical arches, balconies, and stucco walls made from pristine sillar rock taken from the area’s many volcanoes. The Convent of Santa Catalina was built in 1579 shortly after the conquistadors first landed in what is now Peru, and to this day about 20 nuns still live within. Arequipa’s deeply rooted Catholic history is also on display at the many other elegant churches worth a visit such as La Compania, San Francisco, La Merced, and the Cathedral in the main Plaza de Armas. And while Cusco and Machu Picchu tend to steal most of the show when it comes to active trips in Peru, Arequipa also makes for an ideal base for exploring the Colca Canyon (the 2nd deepest in the world), whitewater rafting in the Chili River, and even hiking the dominating Misti Volcano seen from any point in the city!

Talk to one of Latin Excursions’ Travel Consultants today to see how you can turn these white dreams into a trip for you and your loved ones.

• Go in the Summer – One of the best times to visit Brazil is during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer from May to August. This is the low travel season, meaning there are fewer tourists, lower prices, and more availability. Also, June hosts one of the country’s most celebrated festivals named Festas Juninas throughout Brazil, a rural and religious gala full of costumes, music, and dancing.

• Seek Peace in the Amazon – While the New Years and Carnival seasons are in the very high season and full of crowds, you can still find peace and quiet in Brazil in the Amazon during that time. The jungle is still a burgeoning and exciting destination, and you can obtain a wide variety of options without paying the premium of high season rates.

• Have Fun in the Sun – Want to go somewhere with guaranteed sun? Fernando Noronha, a set of 21 islands about 220 miles from the mainland known as Brazil’s Galapagos, can be visited all year round with certain sun. The archipelago is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and is ideal for spotting exceptional birds, sea tortoises, dolphins, and more. Diving is also world class here, with wetsuit not needed and visibility often reaching as far as 160 feet.

• Find Something New at Lençóis Maranhenses – If you are looking for a destination out of the ordinary in Brazil, look no further than Lençóis Maranhenses. This national park is not technically a desert, but the immense sand dune landscape sure alludes to Saharan dreams. In fact, it is due to the many showers in the rainy season that allow for the juxtaposition of sand dunes alongside crisp freshwater lakes! Try going on a 4×4 or quad bikes tour, or perhaps even a jaunt by boat.

Itinerary Overview

Suggested dates of travel:  Year-round

This 8-day private, customizable adventure tour features the capital city of San José, a canopy tour over the rainforest, a national park rich in flora and fauna on the northern Caribbean coast, and the exquisitely beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Papagayo in the country’s Pacific Guanacaste province. This trip is designed for families with or without children who want to experience the diversity of Costa Rica’s landscapes and ecosystems while staying in some of the country’s most outstanding luxury lodges and resorts.

From soaring above the treetops to paddling through lagoons and creeks in kayaks, Costa Rica for Families is ideal for those who desire a mix of beach and adventure time that will entertain all members of the family, no matter how old or young, active or inactive. The itinerary balances a range of programmed activities will plentiful leisure time, and includes child-friendly options at every stop on the way. While mom and dad are receiving massages at the spa, the kids can do sports, go swimming, learn how to surf or cook local food, or teach Spanish to locals.

This trip takes travelers to both of Costa Rica’s unique coasts: the northern Caribbean coast, with its vibrant Afro-Caribbean influences, backwater creeks and diverse wildlife, and the northern Pacific coast, with its volcanoes, rivers, calm gulf waters and breathtaking beaches. Before the coastal visits, you will experience the verdant landscapes of the country’s agricultural Central Valley. Throughout you’ll experience top quality service from bilingual guides and hosts and from an award-winning Latin Excursions staff as we help you plan your trip from start to finish, customizing and personalizing your trip around your tastes and preferences.

If you’re looking for: A family-friendly vacation focusing on the country’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems; good for families of varying sizes and age groups who want exclusive and authentic experiences; child-friendly options along the way; a mixture of rainforest and beach time, adventure and relaxation, programmed activities and leisure time.

Extend your trip: Within Costa Rica to Tenorio Volcano National Park or the pristine Osa Peninsula, or by combining with another country in Central America like Panama or Nicaragua.

Highlights:

• Zip-lining through the rainforest of Costa Rica’s Central Valley
• Kayaking through the backwater creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park to spot wildlife
• Visit local Afro-Caribbean community, where children can teach English to local indigenous kids
• Learn about current research and conservation of Atlantic Green Sea Turtles
• Private BBQ dinner on the banks of the Tortuguero River
• Quality leisure time at a luxury resort on the Gulf of Papagayo

Day-by-Day

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica’s European-influenced capital city and the country’s political, cultural and transportation hub. A local guide will greet you at the airport after passing through immigration and customs and you will be privately transferred to your hotel on a shady street off San José’s main thoroughfare, Paseo Colon.

Overnight at Hotel Grano de Oro in Deluxe Room, meals not included.

Day 2: San José / Aerial Tram / Tortuguero                                                 

Meet your private bilingual naturalist guide and transfer to the Rainforest Aerial Tram Facility for your zip-lining adventure next to Baulio Carrillo National Park. This canopy tour will provide spectacular views of the surrounding forest and Molinete River from above as you fly across 10 zip lines woven through the tree tops of a protected rainforest. Visit a butterfly garden and frog pond before enjoying a typical Costa Rican lunch. Afterwards, you will be driven to the Atlantic lowlands near Limon and will board a boat for the 1.5-hour trip to Totuguero, viewing wildlife on the journey. Arrive at your lodge on a private rainforest reserve bordering Tortuguero National Park by late afternoon.

Overnight at Tortuga Lodge and Gardens in Upstairs Balcony River View Room, all meals included.

Day 3: Tortuguero

Enjoy a full day in Tortuguero, with a private morning natural history boat excursion and an afternoon visit to a local Tortuguero village and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Center. The three-hour morning tour explores the lagoons and creeks of Tortuguero National Park to spot monkeys, river otters and more. The afternoon will be spent at a local indigenous community, exploring its Afro-Caribbean roots, followed by a stop at the Sea Turtle Conservation museum to learn about research and conservation of Atlantic Green Sea Turtles. Children can also fit in a session to teach local children of a nearby community English, if interested.

Overnight at Tortuga Lodge and Gardens in Upstairs Balcony River View Room, all meals included.

Day 4: Tortuguero

Today you will spend another full day at Tortuguero. In the morning, you can kayak through the backwater creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park, providing a whole new perspective of the rainforest. Accompanied by your private naturalist guides, you will be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the Costa Rican rainforest, with opportunities to see wildlife up close. Tonight you will enjoy a private garden BBQ dinner for your family on the banks of the Tortuguero River.

Overnight at Tortuga Lodge and Gardens in Upstairs Balcony River View Room, all meals included.

Day 5: Tortuguero / Liberia / Gulf of Papagayo

After breakfast, cross the Tortuguero River by boat and board your one-hour charter flight to Liberia. Upon arrival, you will have a private land transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo, 45 minutes away. The Guanacaste province in northwest Costa Rica is a land of volcanic peaks, jungle valleys and scenic waterfalls. Home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with national parks and wildlife refuges, the area offers fascinating nature exploration as well as historic sites and quaint villages. Its beaches are some of the best in Costa Rica. You will spend the next few nights here at the Four Seasons Resort.

Overnight at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica in Terraza Room, breakfast included.

Days 6-7: Four Seasons Resort

You will have two full days to spend leisure at the Four Seasons. Explore the hotel’s two beaches, indigenous spa, 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pool and surrounding tropical dry forest. Optional activities are also available here at an extra cost, many of which are family friendly. In addition to beach football, soccer and volleyball, you can go sign up for cooking classes, salsa dancing lessons, Spanish language instruction, scuba diving courses, and golf and tennis clinics. 

Overnight at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica in Terraza Room, breakfast included.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to the Liberia International airport, arriving at least two hours prior to departure time, for your international flight back home or to another part of Costa Rica for an extended stay. Breakfast included.

2013-2014 Rates:

Rate per person, based on double occupancy if:

2 guests are traveling: starting at $7,300 per person, depending on properties chosen; includes internal airfare

4 guests are traveling: starting at 6,500 per person, depending on properties chosen; includes internal airfare

Single supplement: $1,990

Child supplement (applies for children aged 0-10 years old IF sharing a room with 2 adults): $700

Accommodation:

Where we suggest you stay is directly impacted by the place you are visiting. In San José, we recommend that you stay in a converted tropical Victorian mansion in the downtown area, within arm’s reach of the city’s highlights; in Tortuguero, you will rest your head at a deluxe nature lodge situated on almost 150 acres of private land on Costa Rica’s northeast Caribbean coast; while on the Papagayo Peninsula, you will sleep soundly at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort.

Itinerary Overview

Suggested dates of travel: Year-round, except for September and October

This 10-day private, customizable adventure tour features the capital city of San José, the tropical cloud forest of Bajosdel Toro, the towering Arenal Volcano, the pristine Osa Peninsula, and the Pacuare River Valley. This trip is designed for active and adventurous travelers who want to experience the highlights of Costa Rica via foot, horseback, raft and private charter plane without sacrificing absolute comfort or luxury. However, this “intermediate” option allows guests to choose where to splurge in order to keep costs within a comfortable budget, all while having access to some of the most adventurous and authentic experiences in Costa Rica and staying in hand-picked, high-standard accommodations.

From the heights of the Arenal Volcano to the rapids of the Pacuare River, Costa Rica for Adventurers is ideal for those who prefer the outdoors to cities and who value unique interactions with nature and wildlife. The itinerary balances adrenaline-pumping activities with ample time for relaxation among the sounds and smells of the beautiful natural surroundings, treatments in upscale on-site spas and romantic touches.

This rather comprehensive trip starts in central Costa Rica, and then heads to the slight northwest before continuing to the southwestern part of the country, and looping back up to the eastern coast. Throughout you’ll experience top quality service from bilingual guides and hosts and from an award-winning Latin Excursions staff as we help you plan your trip from start to finish, customizing and personalizing your trip around your tastes and preferences.

If you’re looking for: An adventurous vacation focusing on beautiful landscapes, wildlife and outdoor activities; good for couples and small groups of adventurous friends; a mixture of relaxation and adventure.

Extend your trip: Within Costa Rica to the northwestern part of the country or the northern Caribbean coast, or by combining with another country in Central America like Panama or Nicaragua.

Highlights:

• Exclusive exposure to Costa Rica’s rainforest wildlife with naturalist guides
• Prime whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
• Rainforest trek to visit indigenous Cabecar family and shaman
• Day trip to the spectacular Arenal Volcano

Day-by-Day

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica’s European-influenced capital city and the country’s political, cultural and transportation hub. A local guide will greet you at the airport after passing through immigration and customs and you will be privately transferred to your hotel on a shady street off San José’s main thoroughfare, Paseo Colon. Meals not included.

Day 2: Bajosdel Toro

This morning, you will drive 2.5 hours to Bajosdel Toro Amarillo, accompanied by your private bilingual naturalist guide and driver. Here you will spend two nights at an eco-luxury hotel set on 500 private acres of tropical cloud forest, set in the Central Volcanic Valley. After settling into this peaceful retreat, you will go on a two-hour afternoon hike through the cloud forest in search of hidden waterfalls along a beautiful nature trail. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Day Trip to Arenal Volcano

Today you will take a day trip to the spectacular Arenal Volcano, located two hours away from the lodge. Arenal Volcano, with its almost perfect cone, soars 1,633 meters above sea level and has a crater 140 meters deep. From time to time, loud explosions are heard and a mushroom cloud of gray, brown, orange or blue smoke billows out of the top. Besides appreciating the volcano views, the area welcomes activities such as boat tours on the lake, a canopy walkway, hot springs and horseback riding. After an activity-filled day, you will return to the hotel late afternoon and can heal your sore muscles with a spa treatment, if desired. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 4: Bajosdel Toro to San José to Puerto Jiménez, Osa Peninsula

Early this morning, you will be privately transferred back to San José, where you will be dropped off at the local airport to take a one-hour private charter flight to Puerto Jiménez. Here you will stay on the southwest Pacific side of the Osa Peninsula, near Corcovado National Park, one of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse areas. Accommodations will be in comfortable cabins at a sustainable rainforest wildlife lodge on a 185-acre private nature reserve. All meals included.

Day 5: Osa Peninsula

Today you will enjoy a guided nature walk on one of several different trails to observe the local area’s impressive mix of wildlife. All four species of monkeys that can be found in Costa Rica can be seen here: Howler monkeys, Spider monkeys, White face monkeys and Squirrel monkeys. Also, over 400 species of birds have been identified in and around the nature reserve, with opportunities to spot macaws, toucans, parrots, hawks, tanagers and more. All meals included.

Day 6: Osa Peninsula

Spend the entire day at leisure at the lodge and wildlife refuge. Possible activities include bird-watching, rappelling down waterfalls, zip-lining, exploring the reserve’s extensive trail network, horseback riding, kayaking, a dolphin-watching tour, and yoga classes. All meals included.

Day 7: Puerto Jiménez to Pacuare River

In the morning, you will be privately transferred to the local airport for your charter flight from Puerto Jiménez to San Alberto. Upon arrival in San Alberto, a driver will meet you and take you to the Pacuare River, about 1.5 hours away, where you will start your rafting adventure. Accompanied by a guide, you will be provided with rafting gear and briefed on safety before entering the rapids. Sure to be an adrenaline-pumping activity, the river passes through canyons where waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing water below. Tall trees and dense green vegetation come right down to the water’s edge, providing shelter for a variety of tropical animals and birds, including some endangered species.

The first day on the river is a journey that takes over 1.5 hours on class II and III rapids, ending up at the exquisite Pacuare Lodge, a true jungle oasis.  After a hearty lunch, you can take a guided hike to a waterfall in the forest or just relax. In the evening, enjoy happy hour and a private candlelit dinner. All meals.

Day 8: Pacuare River Valley

Spend a full day in the Pacuare River valley, with the option of either a Cabecar Indians hike or Bajodel Tigre horseback riding tour, accompanied by a private naturalist guide. The Cabecar Indians are the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica, and you will have the opportunity to trek through the rainforest to visit a local shaman and Cabecar family and learn about the group’s traditions, customs and relationship with nature. The horseback riding tour begins with a gondola ride across the Pacuare River, from where you will mount your horse and will begin riding through secondary forest and fields before arriving at the small community of Bajodel Tigre. In the afternoon, return to Pacuare Lodge, where you will enjoy a romantic dinner by the riverbank, lit by candles and a fire pit and surrounded by nature. All meals included.

Day 9: Pacuare River

After breakfast, you will launch your raft again for the second day of your river expedition. This part of the journey will be even more thrilling, as you navigate class III to class IV rapids for approximately 3.5 hours. You will stop for a picnic lunch along the river. At the river take-out, you can change into dry clothes at the private facilities before boarding the minibus for the return to San José. Settle in to your elegant villa outside of town. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 10: Departure 

Today marks the end of your Costa Rica adventure; you can either be transferred to the airport for your international flight home, or we can arrange other options for an extended trip in Costa Rica or other parts of Central America. Breakfast included.

Accommodation:

Where we suggest you stay is directly impacted by the place you are visiting. In San José, we suggest you stay in a converted tropical Victorian mansion in the downtown area, within arm’s reach of the city’s highlights; in Bajos del Toro, accommodation is in deluxe suites at an eco-luxury hotel set on private acres of tropical cloud forest; while on the Osa Peninsula, you will stay in private one-bedroom cabins at a rainforest lodge; in the Pacuare River Valley, rest your head in a garden-view bungalow at a top-notch jungle lodge.